7 days hike from Llanganuco to Santa Cruz

Depart from Lima in a comfortable vehicle, driving along the scenic Pacific coastline before crossing the desert valleys. Ascend through the Andes via the Conococha Pass (4,100 m), where you’ll witness your first breathtaking views of the Callejón de Huaylas, nestled between the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra. Arrive in Huaraz (3,090 m), the trekking capital of Peru.

Hotel transfer and overnight stay.

🗻 Highlight: Arrival in the Andes and panoramic views of the mountain ranges.

Travel north along the Santa River valley, passing traditional towns such as Carhuaz, Mancos, and Yungay. Admire iconic peaks like Huascarán (6,768 m), Huandoy, and Hualcán.
Enter Huascarán National Park to visit the stunning Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha & Orconcocha), famous for their turquoise waters and Andean flora.

Ascend to the dramatic Portachuelo Pass (4,767 m), with a 360° view of glacier-covered giants including Chopicalqui, Yanapaccha, Pisco, and Chacraraju. Begin your hike through high-altitude landscapes and polylepis forests until reaching Mache Pampa for your first night of camping (3,760 m).

🌄 Highlight: Turquoise Llanganuco Lakes and epic mountain vistas from Portachuelo.

Continue the trek through the scenic Huaripampa Valley, passing through remote villages like Collo, Yanachaca, and Huaripampa, with views of Yanama and Colcabamba in the distance.

Climb through the Ranincuray Valley, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Chacraraju. Hike past small alpine lakes and native quenual forests, with frequent glimpses of Taulliraju (5,850 m). Camp in the peaceful Paria Valley (3,800 m), with views of Mount Paria and the Garcilaso Pyramid.

🏞 Highlight: Remote Andean villages and panoramic views of Chacraraju and Taulliraju.

Ascend an ancient pre-Inca trail to reach the Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m) — one of the most iconic viewpoints on the Santa Cruz Trek.

Enjoy incredible views of towering peaks: Chacraraju, Taulliraju, Paria, Quitaraju, Artesonraju, and Pucahirca, all surrounding deep glacial valleys.

Descend to Taullipampa campsite (4,250 m) surrounded by snow-capped giants.

❄️ Highlight: Crossing the Punta Unión Pass, the high point of the trek with unmatched alpine views.

Trek to Arhuaycocha Lake (4,450 m) for an up-close view of Alpamayo (5,947 m) — known as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

Take in the sights of Quitaraju, Artesonraju, and the Garcilaso Pyramid. Continue downhill through the Santa Cruz Valley, passing by the scenic lakes of Hatun Cocha and Ichic Cocha, where you may spot native ducks and highland birds.

Camp at Llamacorral (3,780 m) surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.

🌊 Highlight: Visit to Alpamayo Base Camp and Arhuaycocha Lake — a photographer’s paradise.

Descend through the lush Santa Cruz Valley, observing the changing ecosystems from alpine terrain to warmer, subtropical zones.

Marvel at the biodiversity, including orchids, bromeliads, and cascading waterfalls along steep cliffs.
Reach the village of Cashapampa (2,900 m), where private transport will return you to Huaraz. Hotel transfer upon arrival.

🌿 Highlight: Biodiversity along the trail and gradual descent through ecological zones.

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Huaraz before departing for Lima by private transport or bus. Take with you the unforgettable memories of hiking through the Cordillera Blanca, one of the most stunning high-altitude mountain ranges in the world.

🧭 Highlight: Reflection and return after completing one of Peru’s top trekking experiences.